What are some examples of the unclaimed funds held by the county auditor?

Funds held in the County Unclaimed Funds account are:

Vendor payments

Child Support Payment

Lost Heir Accounts

Proceeds from Sheriff's Sales

Restitution Payments

Jury/Witness Fees

The Franklin County Auditor's Office does not hold funds from companies in Ohio. The Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Unclaimed Funds holds these types of funds. Please visit their website, www.com.ohio.gov/unfd/TreasureHunt.aspx, for more information on claiming these funds or to search for funds.

Write to the Franklin County Auditor, Attn: Unclaimed Funds, 373 South High St, 21st Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215. Provide your current name and initials, along with any prior names you have used, such as maiden names or you can search for unclaimed funds online. If you find accounts belonging to you or someone you know, you can either print the claim form, complete it and return it to us at the above address for processing or, if you are unable to print the form, you can email us at mabelhor@franklincountyohio.gov and we will mail a claim form to you.

What is the procedure for making a claim?

A claim form must be completed, signed and notarized. If there are multiple claims, a form needs to be completed for each dollar amount. Mail (do no fax) the form(s) to:

All claims must have the proper proof of claim (See Proof of Claim section below).

Once the claim form is received in our office, processing takes approximately 30 business days. Many claims require authorization to pay from the originating agency; this may take a little longer.

If the funds are from a lost heir account, the claim does not come to this office. You will need to contact the Franklin County Probate Court at (614) 525-3894 for procedures on how to claim these funds.

What are some examples of proof of claim?

All claims must have a clear photocopy of the owner's Social Security card, and driver's license or State ID. REQUIRED FOR ALL CLAIMS (NOTE: The Social Security number will be held in the strictest confidence and used only to establish rightful ownership of the unclaimed funds.)

The original check(s) IF AVAILABLE.

If the owner of the funds is a business, please provide documentation which shows the Tax ID number along with documentation proving the individual signing the form is an authorized agent of said business. (business card or letterhead)

If I am not the original owner, or the owner is deceased, how do I prove the claim?

First, you must show that the account belonged to the original owner (see #1 proof of claim). Second, you must prove that you are the rightful recipient of the funds, and you are legally entitled to claim these funds for the owner, such as if the owner is incapacitated or deceased. If the owner is incapacitated, proper documentation from the Court to show a guardianship, custodial, or Power of Attorney relationship, and a court order, or permission from the guardian or custodian is required.

If the original owner is deceased, a copy of the death certificate and letter of authority naming the executor of the estate is required. We will not pay a claim based solely upon a will or death certificate. If a professional finder is claiming the funds, a Power of Attorney signed by the executor is also required. (NOTE: The Franklin County Auditor's Office reserves the right to contact the original payee directly to confirm a Power of Attorney.

Will I be entitled to interest?

Interest is not paid on any account.

Will I be charged a fee?

The Franklin County Auditor's Office does not charge a fee to claim funds. If you have contracted with a professional finder to claim your funds, you may be subject to pay a fee to them according to your contract.

Where can I find a notary?

A Notary Public can be found at your local bank, city and county offices, police and sheriff's departments, most attorneys. There is a notary available in the Franklin County Auditor's Office Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

How long will it take to get my funds?

Once the claim form is received in our office, processing takes approximately 30 business days. Most claims require authorization to pay from the originating agency and may take a little longer. Sometimes the originating agency requires additional information for the claimant, such as previous addresses of the owners.

What is a professional finder?

A professional finder is someone who is in the business of trying to find the owners of unclaimed funds. You do NOT have to use a finder to file a claim.

If I use a professional finder to claim my funds, where will the check be mailed?

The check is issued in the name of the professional finder and the owner of the funds. The check is then mailed to the professional finder.

The Franklin County Auditor's Office does not hire professional finders or any other third party to help locate the owner of unclaimed funds.